How to deal with problem playersOne of the most difficult situations a coach can face is a disruptive player: the player who won't seem to pay attention; the player who is always goofing around, always distracting you and other players. To deal with this situation you need a two-fold approach. You need to be proactive and try to eliminate dead-time situations and you need to clearly communicate and enforce disciplinary procedures.
First try to keep your practice organized and flowing. The less your players are standing around, the less opportunities they have to mess around. Kids standing in line for more than 30 seconds is a recipe for problems. Likewise, avoid long lectures. Keep the players moving. Keep them participating in engaging activities or exercises.
If players are misbehaving try to bring them into the fold. Use his or her name often. Let them be the demonstrator. Ask questions. Again, try to engage the player before taking disciplinary steps.
If nothing else works take the following disciplinary procedures: 1) give the player a warning "Next time you disrupt the group, I'm going to ask you to sit on the sideline." 2) Remove the player from practice activities. Have them sit on the sideline. 3) If problem persists talk with parents. Ask parents for help or advice. What should I do if your son keeps messing around? Can you come to practice and help me monitor his behavior? 4) At some point the player may need to be removed from the team. In any case, do not degrade or humiliate players. Deal with these issues in professional, respectful manner.
It is important that you define your expectations and procedures to all parents and players. Preferably this is communicated in writing before the beginning of the season. Most importantly, you must be consistent for all players. Nothing is more destructive to a team than a coach who does not treat players fairly.
A special note regarding ADD players: Most of the suggestions above will help all players including those with Attention Deficit Disorder. Keep the practice moving. Don't focus on mistakes or create prolonged delays in activities. Players learn by playing. Soccer is a game of movement. Disorganized practices invite misbehavior. Plan a fun practice with instructive games. Let the games be the teacher. Keep your instructions short and simple. Use catch phrases. Repeat them often (while the kids continuing playing).
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